Hatch cover

ABSTRACT

Sealing problems attendant dimensional variations in separate hatch cover panels arranged in side-by-side relation along the length of the hatchway are eliminated by an arrangement wherein one panel is first installed in a predetermined fixed position relative to the hatchway, preferably centrally thereof. The remaining panels are installed successively away from the first panel toward the ends of the hatchway. All panels are provided with means interengageable on installation of an adjacent panel to maintain a fixed predetermined spacing between adjacent panels. A range is provided for the sealing locus of the end panels with the ends of the hatchway, therefore compensating for cumulative dimensional variations in the panels along the length of the hatchway.

United States Patent Kersteter HATCH COVER Primary ExaminerTrygve M. Blix Assistant Examiner-Sherman D. Basin er 75 Inventor. Ammon W. Kersteter Cov1n ton, g l l g Attorney-Cushman, Darby & Cushman [73] Assignee: Equitable Equipment Company,

Inc., New Orleans, La. [57] ABSTRACT Filedi 1972 Sealing problems attendant dimensional variations in 21 A I. No: 231,122 separate hatch cover panels arranged in side-by-side i 1 PP A relation along the length of the hatchway are eliminated by an arrangement wherein one panel is first in- [52] US. Cl 114/201 R t ll d in a predetermined fixed position relative to C1. the hatchway preferably centrally thereof The re- Fleld 01 Search maining panels are installed successively away from 127 the first panel toward the ends of the hatchway. All panels are provided with means interengageable on vReftirences Clted installation of an adjacent panel to maintain a fixed UNITED STATES PATENTS predetermined spacing between adjacent panels. A 1,118,667 11 /1914 McDougall 114 201 R range is Provided for the Sfialing locus of the and P 2,773,469 12/1956 Caruthers 114 201 R 618 With the ends of the hatchwfly, therefore p 3,517,828 6/1970 Hunter i 214/105 R sating for cumulative dimensional variations in the 2,801,752 8/1957 Jakubowski... 214/105 R panels along the length of the hatchway. 3,5l5.086 6/1970 Auzins et al. l 14/435 27 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures 1B1 [e1 @1 ;E1 t1 w &L. "i" Ji 1 0 O o O 1 0 0 o 0 (K96 o o 0112! 1 s a n1 /1 1 o a o a a s a 1 e 1 30 I t a 0 Pfl/V-Z M13. lam 170.2, PAM/2 4 0.2. Pfl/VEZ Mi Pfl/VEL fla2. Pfl/Vfl M2. ffl/VEL No.3

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T pus fi p m p W p PO PATENTEDJWSIQM 3,785322 sum 3 or 4 w k I fi w I 4 32 44 34 24 [Ill/[7,1111] zz Zea 11/ l/lIIlIll/III 1 HATCH COVER BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to improvements in hatch covers for cargo vessels. More particularly, the invention pertains to hatch covers of the type which comprise separate generally rectangular panels which are arranged in side-by-side relation along the length of a generally rectangular hatchway, and which are lowered, usually one panel at a time, by ordinary hoisting gear into operative hatch closing position where they are dogged into place, or lifted, when undogged, to open the hatchway.

Hatch covers of the aforedescribed type are well known, but are susceptible of improvement. Because of the large size of hatchways and of the individual hatch cover panels, both the hatchway, especially its length, and the panels are susceptible of dimensional variations attendant manufacturing processes. When panels constructed prior to this invention are installed over a hatchway, dimensional variations in the width of each panel give rise to sealing problems, both with each other and with the edges of the hatchway, i.e. usually the coaming. This becomes particularly acute if panels made for a particular hatchway are attempted to be used with another hatchway of the same size because of manufacturing dimensional variations in hatchways.

Another problem attendant hatch covers of the type under consideration involves stowage of the panels, when the hatchway is open, without damage to their peripheral sealing gaskets. These are usually carried by the panels on their undersides and project somewhat therebelow for sealingengagement with the coaming. A further problem is in the avoidance of damage to sealing gaskets during installation of the panels over a hatchway.

Accordingly, the principal object of the invention is to provide an improved arrangement and method for the installation of hatch cover panels of the type under consideration which will avoid problems of obtaining adequate seals between the panels, and between the panels and the edges of the hatchway or the coaming, due to dimensional variations in both the panels and in the hatchway.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved construction and arrangement for installation of hatch covers of the type under consideration which will enable exchangeability of the covers between hatchways of the same size, and between certain of the panels, without encountering problems of installation or of sealing.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved arrangement for stacking hatch cover panels, when removed from a hatchway and stowed, to avoid damage to their sealing gaskets.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved arrangement to minimize the possibility of damage to the sealing gaskets on the hatch cover panels during their installation in side-by-side relation to cover a hatch opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Other objects and advantagesv of the invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic plan view showing the installation of a hatch cover embodying this invention over a hatchway.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view taken substantially on line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view taken substantially on line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view taken substantially on line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view taken substantially on line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a more enlarged fragmentary elevational view corresponding to FIG. 2 but showing the initial installation of only the central panel of the hatch cover and also showing details not shown in F IG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary enlarged elevational view of a portion of one end of one of the panels No. 2 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary enlarged view of the left-hand portion of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the left-hand portion of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 11-11 of FIG. 9.

\ FIG. 12 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 12-12 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragementary vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 13-13 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially on line 14-14 of FIG. 1.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a rectangular hatchway 20 surrounded by the usual flange 22 upstanding from the deck 23 of a vessel to form part of a coaming which also includes adjacent its upper edge and outer peripheral horizontal flange 24 formed by a downwardly facing channel welded to the flange 22 (FIGS. 2, 4, 6, l3, 14). A plurality of individual generally-rectangular hatch cover panels, each of approximately the same length and width. are arranged in side-by-side relation transversely of the hatchway 20 to cover the same. Seven such panels are shown for illustrating the principles of the invention, but, depending upon the size of the hatchway, a lesser number of panels, in fact only two, could be used to practice the invention. For purposes of identification, the central panel is designated No. 1, the two end panels which are of identical construction, No. 3, and the four intermediate panels, which also are of identical construction, No. 2.

In general, all the panels preferably are of metal, welded, open-bottom box-like construction having a top plate 26, depending side flanges provided with lateral stiffening flanges at their lower ends, depending ends of rectangular tube construction (as at 28, FIG. 14), longitudinal interior stiffeners (not identified), and lifting eyes or rings 30 (FIG. 1) at the four corners. If desired the top plate 26 may be longitudinally arched, i.e., transversely of the hatchway.

Each panel is provided on its undersurface at its ends with a downwardly facing peripheral channel 32 in which is secured a gasket 34, of rubber or the like, which protrudes from the channel into sealing engagement with the coaming horizontal flange 24 when the panel is installed over the hatchway 20. Each end of each panel also is provided outwardly of the channel 32 with a number of vertical support plates 36 which depend below the channel 32 to a level slightly above that of the lower edge of the gasket 34 when the latter is uncompressed. These support plates 36 rest on the coaming horizontal flange 24 and support the weight of each panel on the latter while permitting sealing engagement of the gaskets 34 therewith.

The central hatch cover panel No. 1 is provided at each end with a depending tapering pin 38 (FIG. 6), the two of which are offset from each other longitudinally of the panel. These pins 38 project below the panel support plates 36 and are adapted, when the panel is installed, to project through reinforced openings 40 (FIG. 6) in the coaming horizontal flange 24 to fix panel No. 1 in a predetermined position, relative to the hatchway 20, in which the end gaskets 34 seal with the coaming (FIG. 14). After panel No. 1 is so fixed it is dogged in position by dog bolts 41 pivotally mounted to the coaming flange 24 by brackets 42 and receivable in slots in horizontal flanges of dog brackets 43 on the ends of the panel, as shown in FIG. 6. In accordance with this invention panel No. l is installed before any of the remaining panels. Thereafter, the panels on each side of No. 1 are installed successively toward the ends of the hatchway, i.e., No. 2, No. 2, and No. 3, for reasons later apparent.

Panel No. l is provided, along each side below its top plate 26 with a horizontal lateral flange 44 having an upturned outer lip 45 (FIGS. 6, 8 11). As shown best in FIGS. 8 and 9, at its ends, flange 44 extends beyond the ends of panel No. 1 over extended end portions of the gasket retaining channel 32. The lip 45 is cut away at the end portions of the flange 44 and the remaining edge is downwardly and outwardly bevelled, as at 46, as shown best in FIGS. 8 and 10. The gasket retaining channel 32 terminates beneath the flange 44, but the gasket 34 protrudes therebeyond and is bevelled, as at 48, as a continuation of the bevel 46 on the edge of the flange 44.

All the intermediate No. 2 panels are of identical construction so a description of one will suffice for all. Each intermediate panel No. 2 is reduced in thickness along one side, i.e., the side toward the central panel No. l, as best shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, and has the lower end of its corresponding side flange 50 turned under to support a downwardly facing channel 52 in which is secured a sealing gasket 54 that protrudes below the channel (FIG. 11). When the No. 2 panels adjacent panel No. 1 are installed, the gaskets 54 sealingly engage the lateral side flanges 44 on the No. 1 panel.

The lower ends of the tubes 28 on panel No. 2 are recessed, as at 56, at the ends facing panel No. 1 in order to overlap the side flange 44 on the latter, as best shown in FIG. 10. Correspondingly, the gasket retaining channel 32 on panel No. 2 extends upwardly into the recess 56, at the same angle as the bevel 48 on the ends of the gaskets 34 on panel No. l, and thence horizontally so that the end portions of the gaskets 34 on panel No. 2 sealingly engage both the bevels 48 and 46 on the ends of the gaskets 34 on panel No. 1 and the edge of the flange 44, as well as the top of the latter as shown best in FIG. 10. At their ends the channels 32 and gaskets 34 on panels No. 2 turn inward and merge smoothly with the side channel 52 and gasket 54 therein, as generally shown in FIG. 10.

When installed, panel No. 1 is dogged to adjacent intermediate panels No. 2 along their sides by an appropriate number of elongated dog bolts 58 pivotally secured to lateral horizontal pins 60 on the central panel No. l and fitting in slots in horizontal flanges of dog brackets 64 projecting from the sides 50 of the intermediate panels No. 2 (FIGS. 9-12). Nuts 66 on the bolts 58 engage the upper surfaces of the brackets 64. For reasons later described, adjacent each dogging bracket 64 panel No. 2 has a vertical side plate 68 depending substantially into engagement with the lateral flange 44 on panel No. 1 when the panels are installed. The No. 2 panels and No. 3 panels, when installed, are dogged, at their ends, to the coaming by a number of dog bolts 41 and brackets 43 identical to those for dogging panel No. 1 to the coaming.

Projecting outwardly from the sides of central panel No. 1 adjacent each dog bolt 58 is a vertical flange 70 having its upper edge flush with the upper surface of the top plate 26 and an outer rounded corner. These flanges 70 project somewhat laterally beyond the bolts 58. The flanges 70 and plates 68 cooperate in preventing possible damage to the bolts 58 and to the side gaskets 54 when the No. 2 panels are being lowered into operative closing position and become misaligned.

At each of its four corners, panel No. 1 is provided with laterally projecting vertical flanges 72 which extend over the projecting ends of the side flanges 44 and have U-shaped notches 74 in their upper surfaces, as shown in FIGS. 6, 8 and 9. At each end each intermediate panel No. 2 is provided, at that side thereof toward central panel No. 1, with longitudinally projecting pins 76 snugly receivable in the notches 74 on installation of panel No. 2. It will be noted that the portions of the flanges 72 projecting beyond the sides of panel No. 1 are inwardly reduced in thickness to accommodate the side portions of panels No. 2 between each pair of flanges 72 with some clearance, as shown in FIG. 9. The pins 76 and notches 74 maintain a fixed predetermined lateral spacing between the intermediate panels No. 2 and the central panel No. 1 so that the side gaskets 54 on the panels No. 2 will properly seal with the lateral flanges 44 on panel No. 1 and the dog bolts 58 will be properly received in the slots in the brackets 64 on panels No. 2. The flanges 72 further maintain panels No. 2 in proper fixed position transversely of the hatchway to further assure proper alignment of the dog bolts 58 and brackets 64 and proper sealing engagement of the panel No. 2 end gaskets 34 with the coaming flange 24. To facilitate reception of the side portion of the panels No. 2 between corresponding pairs of flanges 72 the upper surface on each flange 72 has an inward guiding bevel, as at 78, outwardly beyond the notch 74, as shown in FIG. 9. Similarly, to facilitate reception of the pins 76 in the notches 74, the latter are divergent adjacent their upper ends.

The side portions of the intermediate panels No. 2, opposite their sides of reduced thickness are constructed the same as the side portions of the central panel No. 1, while the side portions of the No. 3 panels adjacent the No. 2 panels have the same construction as the side portions of the No. 2 panels facing the No. 1 panel. Thus, it will be seen that each adjacent pair of intermediate panels No. 2, and adjacent pair of No. 2 and No. 3 panels, are sealed and dogged together in the same manner as the central panel No. 1 with the immediately adjacent panels No. 2.

Along their sides adjacent the ends of the hatchway 20, the end panels No. 3 are provided, along their undersides, with a downwardly facing peripheral channel 80 in which is secured a sealing gasket 82, as shown in FIG. 13. The gaskets 82 protrude below the channels 80 into sealing engagement with the horizontal flange 24 on the hatch coaming when the end panels No. 3 are installed. At their ends the channels 80 and gaskets 82 merge smoothly, by rounded corners, with the end channels 32 and gaskets 34 of the end panels No. 3. A number of support plates 84 depend from the outer sides of the end panels No. 3 outwardly of the channels 80 into supporting engagement with the coaming flange 24. These other sides of the end panels No. 3 are also dogged into place by a number of pivoted dog bolts 86, mounted to the horizontal flange 24 of the coaming and received in slots in horizontal flanges of dog brackets 88 on the end panels No. 3.

It will be seen from inspection of FIG. 13 that along each end of the hatchway a considerable space exists between the vertical flange 22 of the coaming and the pivot brackets 90 of the dog bolts 86 on the horizontal coaming flange 24. This provides a range of lo cations for sealing engagement of the gaskets 82 with the coaming flange 24. It further will be seen that the slots 92 in the dogging brackets 88 along the outer sides of the end panels No. 3 are of considerable length. Further, the space between the ears of the pivot brackets 42 for the dog bolts 41 for the ends of panels Nos. 2 and 3 is considerable and permits of adjustment of the bolts 41 longitudinally of the hatchway 20. This construction permits accommodation of variations in width dimensions in the several hatch cover panels, e.g., two panels No. 2 and one panel No. 3, on each side of the central panel No. 1. In other words, it will be seen that as the panels are installed successively on each side of panel No. 1, because of the interengaging pins 70 and notches 74, the spacing between adjacent panels remains substantially the same irrespective of their positioning along the length of the hatchway 20. As previously stated, however, there may be slight variations in width of the several No. 2 and No. 3 panels. These variations may become cumulative, either in addition or subtraction, to vary the locus of sealing engagement of the gaskets 82 on the outer sides of the end panels No. 3 with the horizontal flange 24 of the coaming at the ends of the hatchway 20. Provision of a range for this locus permits accommodation of such variations.

It also will be seen that corresponding panels may be exchanged readily on the same hatchway or used on another hatchway with no attendant sealing problem.

Although the invention has been described with relation to seven panels, and with relation to the initial installation of a central panel in a fixed predetermined position on a hatchway, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible of variations. For example, the benefits of the invention could be had by initial installation of an end panel in a fixed predetermined position over an end portion of a hatchway with the provision of appropriate depending fixing pins on such end panels which project into appropriate openings in the horizontal flange of the coaming. Similarly that side portion of such end panel facing the opposite endof the hatchway would be constructed identically to the side portions of the aforedescribed central panel No. 1. Thus, intermediate panels No. 2, and end panel No. 3, could be successively installed from one end of the hatch to the other, instead of from a central panel oppositely toward each end of a hatch. The latter is preferred, however, for the reason that it minimizes cumulative variations in panel widths.

It also will be seen that each panel is provided, adjacent each corner thereof, with stacking posts 98 extending vertically therethrough and projecting slightly above the top plate 26 and below the lower edges of the end sealing gaskets 34, as best shown in FIG. 14. The upper portion of each post 98 is generally cone shaped, as at 100, while the lower portion has a concavo-recess 102 complementary to and axially aligned with the upper cone 100, as best seen in FIGS. 13 and 14. The lateral and longitudinal dimensions between these four posts 98 are the same for each panel. This permits the panels to be stacked one upon the other, with the coneshaped upper portions 100 of the posts 98 of each underlying panel being received in the complementary concavo-conical recesses 102 in the posts of the overlying panel and with the end and side sealing gaskets 34, 54, and 82 on each panel out of contact with adjacent panels. Thus, the panels can be stowed when not in use in a manner which prevents damage to the sealing gaskets.

What is claimed is:

l. A hatch cover comprising: a plurality of separate generally rectangular panels successively installable side-by-side from a first installable panel transversely of and to cover, and successively removable toward said first panel to uncover, at least a portion of a generallyrectangular hatchway; means fixed on said first panel engageable on installation thereof with complementary means fixedly associated with a hatchway to fix said first panel against horizontal movement in a predetermined position relative to the hatchway; means fixedly associated with said panels and inter-engageable on successive installation thereof to maintain each successively installed panel against horizontal movement in a fixed predetermined position relative to the next precedingly installed panel; and sealing means carried by said panels for effecting a seal between each successively installed panel and the panel to be precedingly installed adjacent thereto, whereby width variations of each panel within manufacturing tolerances do not adversely affect water-tight installation of all of said panels with each other and whereby said panels are each interchangeably usable on different hatchways having length variations within manufacturing tolerances.

2. The structure defined in claim 1 including additional sealing means carried by the ends of the panels for effecting a seal between said ends and the hatchway.

3. The structure defined in claim 2 in which each panel has a lateral flange along that side against which the next panel will be installed and the sealing means carried by said next panel includes a gasket extending 5. The structure defined in claim 4 including means for inhibiting damage to the dogging means and the gasket during installation of the next panel comprising a vertical flange projecting from the flanged side of each panel adjacent and extending laterally beyond the dog bolt, said flange having an upper surface substantially flush with the top of the panel; and a side plate on the one side of the next panel adjacent the bracket and outwardly of the gasket and depending substantially to the bottom edge of the latter.

6. The structure defined in claim 2 in which the engageable means on the first panel includes pins adapted to depend into complementary openings associated with a coaming for the hatchway.

7. The structure defined in claim 2 in which one of the panels is adapted to cover an end portion of the hatchway and including sealing means carried by said one panel for effecting a seal between that side thereof remote from the interengageable means and the corresponding end of the hatchway.

8. The structure defined in claim 1 in which the interengageable means includes a pair of aligning flanges, one on each end of one of the panels and projecting transversely outwardly beyond that side thereof against which the next panel will be installed, the spacing between said flanges being slightly greater than the length of the next panel for snug reception of a side portion of the latter between said flanges, a pair of pins, one on each end at one side of said next panel and projecting longitudinally beyond said end, said flanges having notches for snugly receiving said pins.

9. The structure defined in claim 1 in which the sealing means is vertically compressibly engageable.

10. The structure defined in claim 1 including releasable dogging means for securing the ends of the panels to the side edge portions of the hatchway, the dogging means for securing at least all of said panels, except said first panel, having a loose fit between parts thereof longitudinally of the hatchway in order to accommodate width variations of said panels within manufacturing tolerances.

11. The combination of a generally rectangular hatchway and a hatch cover therefor comprising: a plurality of separate generally rectangular panels successively installable side-by-side from a first installable panel transversely of and to cover, and successively removable toward said first panel to uncover, at least a portion of said hatchway, complementary means fixed on said first panel and the edge of said hatchway engageable on installation of said first panel to fix the latter against horizontal movement in a predetermined position relative to said hatchway; means fixedly associated with said panels and interengageable on successive installation thereof to fix each successively installed panel against horizontal movement in a predetermined position relative to the next precedingly installed panel; sealing means carried by said panels for effecting a seal between each successively installed panel and the panel to be precedingly installed adjacent thereto; and additional sealing means carried by one of, a marginal edge of said hatchway and said panels, for compressive sealing engagement with the other on installation of said panels to provide a water-tight seal between the latter and the hatchway about the entire periphery thereof, whereby width variations of each panel within manufacturing tolerances do not adversely affect water-tight installation of all of said panels with said hatchway and with each other and whereby said panels are each interchangeably usable on different hatchways having length variations within manufacturing tolerances.

12. The structure defined in claim 11 in which the last panel to be installed is adapted to cover an end portion of the hatchway and in which the additional sealing means includes sealing means carried by said last panel on its undersurface for effecting a seal with a marginal edge surface of the corresponding end of said hatchway, said surface being wide enough to present a range of loci of sealing engagement thereof by said sealing means.

13. The structure defined in claim 11 including re leasable dogging means for securing the ends of the panels to the side edge portions of the hatchway, the dogging means for securing at least all of said panels, except said first panel, having a loose fit between parts thereof longitudinally of the hatchway in order to accommodate width variations of said panels within manufacturing tolerances.

14. A hatch cover comprising:

a plurality of separate generally rectangular panels installable side-by-side transversely of and to cover a generally rectangular hatchway surrounded by a marginal edge portion, said panels being successively installable from and successively removable toward a first installable panel;

means fixed on said first panel engageable on installation with complementary means fixedly associated with a hatchway to fix said first panel against horizontal movement in a predetermined position relative to the hatchway;

means fixedly associated with said panels and interengageable on the successive installation of the remainder of said panels to fix each of said remaining panels against horizontal movement in a predetermined position relative to the precedingly installed panel adjacent thereto;

sealing means carried by one of, the marginal edge portion of the hatchway and said panels, for compressive sealing engagement with the other on installation of said panels to provide a water-tight seal between the latter and the hatchway about the entire periphery thereof; and

sealing means carried by certain of said panels along their sides for compressive sealing engagement with the side of the panel adjacent thereto on installation to provide a water-tight seal between said panels,

whereby width variations of each panel within manufacturing tolerances do not adversely affect watertight installation of all of said panels with said hatchway and with each other and whereby said panels are each interchangeably usable on different hatchways having length variations within manufacturing tolerances.

15. The structure defined in claim 14 in which the first panel is adapted to be installed at one end of the hatchway.

16. The structure defined in claim 14 wherein the first panel is adapted to be installed intermediate the ends of the hatchway.

17. The structure defined in claim 14 in which the first-mentioned sealing means are carried by all the panels along their ends and by the panels installable at the ends of the hatchway along the sides of such panels which are adjacent the hatchway ends on installation.

18. The structure defined in claim 14 in which the second-mentioned sealing means are carried by the remainder of the panels along the sides thereof to face the first panel on installation.

19. The structure defined in claim 14 in which the sealing means carried by certain of said panels is vertically compressibly sealingly engageable with the side of the panel adjacent thereto.

20. The combination of a generally-rectangular hatchway surrounded by a marginal edge portion and a hatch cover therefor comprising:

a plurality of separate generally rectangular panels installable side-by-side transversely of said hatchway, said panels being successively installable from and successively removable toward a first installable panel;

complementary means fixedly associated with said first panel and said hatchway edge portion engageable on installation of said first panel to fix the latter against horizontal movement in a predetermined position relative to said hatchway;

means fixedly associated with said panels and interengageable on successive installation of the remainder of said panels to fix each of said remaining panels against horizontal movement in a predetermined position relative to the next precedingly installed panel adjacent thereto;

sealing means carried by one of, said hatchway marginal edge portion and said panels, for compressive sealing engagement with the other on installation of said panels to provide a water-tight seal between the latter and said marginal edge portion about the entire periphery of said hatchway; and

sealing means carried by certain of said panels along .their sides for compressive sealing engagement tight installation of all of said panels with said hatchway and with each other and whereby said panels are each interchangeably usable on different hatchways having length variations within manufacturing tolerances.

21. The structure defined in claim 20 in which the first panel is adapted to be installed at one end of the hatchway.

22. The structure defined in claim 20 in which the first panel is adapted to be installed intermediate the ends of the hatchway.

23. The structure defined in claim 20 in which the first-mentioned sealing means are carried by all the panels along their ends and by the panels installable at the ends of the hatchway along the sides of such panels which are adjacent the ends of the hatchway on installation.

24. The structure defined in claim 20 in which the second-mentioned sealing means are carried by the remainder of the panels along the sides thereof facing the first panel on installation.

25. The structure defined in claim 20 including releasable dogging means for securing the ends of the panels to the side edge portions of the hatchway, the dogging means for securing the remainder of said panels having a loose fit between parts thereof longitudinally of the hatchway in order to accommodate width variations of said panels within manufacturing tolerances.

26. The structure defined in claim 25 including releasable dogging means for securing the sides of the panels installable at the hatchway ends to the corresponding hatchway end edge portions, said dogging means having a loose fit between parts longitudinally of the hatchway in order to accommodate width variations of said panels within manufacturing tolerances.

27. The structure defined in claim 20 in which the sealing means carried by certain of said panels is vertically compressibly sealingly engageable with the side of the panel adjacent thereto. 

1. A hatch cover comprising: a plurality of separate generally rectangular panels successively installable side-by-side from a first installable paneL transversely of and to cover, and successively removable toward said first panel to uncover, at least a portion of a generally-rectangular hatchway; means fixed on said first panel engageable on installation thereof with complementary means fixedly associated with a hatchway to fix said first panel against horizontal movement in a predetermined position relative to the hatchway; means fixedly associated with said panels and inter-engageable on successive installation thereof to maintain each successively installed panel against horizontal movement in a fixed predetermined position relative to the next precedingly installed panel; and sealing means carried by said panels for effecting a seal between each successively installed panel and the panel to be precedingly installed adjacent thereto, whereby width variations of each panel within manufacturing tolerances do not adversely affect water-tight installation of all of said panels with each other and whereby said panels are each interchangeably usable on different hatchways having length variations within manufacturing tolerances.
 2. The structure defined in claim 1 including additional sealing means carried by the ends of the panels for effecting a seal between said ends and the hatchway.
 3. The structure defined in claim 2 in which each panel has a lateral flange along that side against which the next panel will be installed and the sealing means carried by said next panel includes a gasket extending the length of the underside of said next panel adjacent one side thereof and adapted to sealingly engage the upper surface of said flange.
 4. The structure defined in claim 3 including releasable dogging means for connecting the panels together between their ends including at least one dog bolt pivotally mounted on the flanged side of each panel, and a dog bracket on the one side of the next panel engageable by said bolt to urge the gasket toward the lateral flange.
 5. The structure defined in claim 4 including means for inhibiting damage to the dogging means and the gasket during installation of the next panel comprising a vertical flange projecting from the flanged side of each panel adjacent and extending laterally beyond the dog bolt, said flange having an upper surface substantially flush with the top of the panel; and a side plate on the one side of the next panel adjacent the bracket and outwardly of the gasket and depending substantially to the bottom edge of the latter.
 6. The structure defined in claim 2 in which the engageable means on the first panel includes pins adapted to depend into complementary openings associated with a coaming for the hatchway.
 7. The structure defined in claim 2 in which one of the panels is adapted to cover an end portion of the hatchway and including sealing means carried by said one panel for effecting a seal between that side thereof remote from the interengageable means and the corresponding end of the hatchway.
 8. The structure defined in claim 1 in which the interengageable means includes a pair of aligning flanges, one on each end of one of the panels and projecting transversely outwardly beyond that side thereof against which the next panel will be installed, the spacing between said flanges being slightly greater than the length of the next panel for snug reception of a side portion of the latter between said flanges, a pair of pins, one on each end at one side of said next panel and projecting longitudinally beyond said end, said flanges having notches for snugly receiving said pins.
 9. The structure defined in claim 1 in which the sealing means is vertically compressibly engageable.
 10. The structure defined in claim 1 including releasable dogging means for securing the ends of the panels to the side edge portions of the hatchway, the dogging means for securing at least all of said panels, except said first panel, having a loose fit between parts thereof longitudinally of the hatchway in order to accommodate width variations of said panels within manUfacturing tolerances.
 11. The combination of a generally rectangular hatchway and a hatch cover therefor comprising: a plurality of separate generally rectangular panels successively installable side-by-side from a first installable panel transversely of and to cover, and successively removable toward said first panel to uncover, at least a portion of said hatchway, complementary means fixed on said first panel and the edge of said hatchway engageable on installation of said first panel to fix the latter against horizontal movement in a predetermined position relative to said hatchway; means fixedly associated with said panels and interengageable on successive installation thereof to fix each successively installed panel against horizontal movement in a predetermined position relative to the next precedingly installed panel; sealing means carried by said panels for effecting a seal between each successively installed panel and the panel to be precedingly installed adjacent thereto; and additional sealing means carried by one of, a marginal edge of said hatchway and said panels, for compressive sealing engagement with the other on installation of said panels to provide a water-tight seal between the latter and the hatchway about the entire periphery thereof, whereby width variations of each panel within manufacturing tolerances do not adversely affect water-tight installation of all of said panels with said hatchway and with each other and whereby said panels are each interchangeably usable on different hatchways having length variations within manufacturing tolerances.
 12. The structure defined in claim 11 in which the last panel to be installed is adapted to cover an end portion of the hatchway and in which the additional sealing means includes sealing means carried by said last panel on its undersurface for effecting a seal with a marginal edge surface of the corresponding end of said hatchway, said surface being wide enough to present a range of loci of sealing engagement thereof by said sealing means.
 13. The structure defined in claim 11 including releasable dogging means for securing the ends of the panels to the side edge portions of the hatchway, the dogging means for securing at least all of said panels, except said first panel, having a loose fit between parts thereof longitudinally of the hatchway in order to accommodate width variations of said panels within manufacturing tolerances.
 14. A hatch cover comprising: a plurality of separate generally rectangular panels installable side-by-side transversely of and to cover a generally rectangular hatchway surrounded by a marginal edge portion, said panels being successively installable from and successively removable toward a first installable panel; means fixed on said first panel engageable on installation with complementary means fixedly associated with a hatchway to fix said first panel against horizontal movement in a predetermined position relative to the hatchway; means fixedly associated with said panels and interengageable on the successive installation of the remainder of said panels to fix each of said remaining panels against horizontal movement in a predetermined position relative to the precedingly installed panel adjacent thereto; sealing means carried by one of, the marginal edge portion of the hatchway and said panels, for compressive sealing engagement with the other on installation of said panels to provide a water-tight seal between the latter and the hatchway about the entire periphery thereof; and sealing means carried by certain of said panels along their sides for compressive sealing engagement with the side of the panel adjacent thereto on installation to provide a water-tight seal between said panels, whereby width variations of each panel within manufacturing tolerances do not adversely affect water-tight installation of all of said panels with said hatchway and with each other and whereby said panels are each interchangeably usable on different hatchways Having length variations within manufacturing tolerances.
 15. The structure defined in claim 14 in which the first panel is adapted to be installed at one end of the hatchway.
 16. The structure defined in claim 14 wherein the first panel is adapted to be installed intermediate the ends of the hatchway.
 17. The structure defined in claim 14 in which the first-mentioned sealing means are carried by all the panels along their ends and by the panels installable at the ends of the hatchway along the sides of such panels which are adjacent the hatchway ends on installation.
 18. The structure defined in claim 14 in which the second-mentioned sealing means are carried by the remainder of the panels along the sides thereof to face the first panel on installation.
 19. The structure defined in claim 14 in which the sealing means carried by certain of said panels is vertically compressibly sealingly engageable with the side of the panel adjacent thereto.
 20. The combination of a generally-rectangular hatchway surrounded by a marginal edge portion and a hatch cover therefor comprising: a plurality of separate generally rectangular panels installable side-by-side transversely of said hatchway, said panels being successively installable from and successively removable toward a first installable panel; complementary means fixedly associated with said first panel and said hatchway edge portion engageable on installation of said first panel to fix the latter against horizontal movement in a predetermined position relative to said hatchway; means fixedly associated with said panels and inter-engageable on successive installation of the remainder of said panels to fix each of said remaining panels against horizontal movement in a predetermined position relative to the next precedingly installed panel adjacent thereto; sealing means carried by one of, said hatchway marginal edge portion and said panels, for compressive sealing engagement with the other on installation of said panels to provide a water-tight seal between the latter and said marginal edge portion about the entire periphery of said hatchway; and sealing means carried by certain of said panels along their sides for compressive sealing engagement with the side of the panel adjacent thereto on installation to provide a water-tight seal between said panels, whereby width variations of the panels within manufacturing tolerances do not adversely affect water-tight installation of all of said panels with said hatchway and with each other and whereby said panels are each interchangeably usable on different hatchways having length variations within manufacturing tolerances.
 21. The structure defined in claim 20 in which the first panel is adapted to be installed at one end of the hatchway.
 22. The structure defined in claim 20 in which the first panel is adapted to be installed intermediate the ends of the hatchway.
 23. The structure defined in claim 20 in which the first-mentioned sealing means are carried by all the panels along their ends and by the panels installable at the ends of the hatchway along the sides of such panels which are adjacent the ends of the hatchway on installation.
 24. The structure defined in claim 20 in which the second-mentioned sealing means are carried by the remainder of the panels along the sides thereof facing the first panel on installation.
 25. The structure defined in claim 20 including releasable dogging means for securing the ends of the panels to the side edge portions of the hatchway, the dogging means for securing the remainder of said panels having a loose fit between parts thereof longitudinally of the hatchway in order to accommodate width variations of said panels within manufacturing tolerances.
 26. The structure defined in claim 25 including releasable dogging means for securing the sides of the panels installable at the hatchway ends to the corresponding hatchway end edge portions, said dogging means having a loose fit betWeen parts longitudinally of the hatchway in order to accommodate width variations of said panels within manufacturing tolerances.
 27. The structure defined in claim 20 in which the sealing means carried by certain of said panels is vertically compressibly sealingly engageable with the side of the panel adjacent thereto. 